Crans Montana
Year round mountain resort with quality chalets and hotels - designer brand shopping
Crans Montana resort guide - a general overview
Crans Montana has one of the most beautiful settings in the Alps, located on a south-facing plateau high above the Rhone Valley. With access to glacier skiing, stunning mountain views, sunny pistes, a gourmet dining scene and excellent accommodation options it is no wonder that it is so popular.
This Swiss ski resort is one made up of the linked villages of Crans and Montana and is steeped in tradition, homing the oldest ever ski run. It is an ideal resort for intermediates, with plenty of wide and long, red and blue runs. The ski domain is spread over four areas and offers 140km of pistes. The ski lift system is modern and well-designed with virtually no queues. For advanced skiers, the World Cup pistes are challenging, and the off-piste skiing is extensive. There are three nursery areas for beginners.
Crans Montana has earned the title of "the largest alpine shopping facility in the world". Fashion, style and class are high on the agenda as famous names such as Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Hermes have all set up bases here. If you tire of shopping, there is an abundance of restaurants and health clubs to enjoy.
It is important to note that nightlife is very active in Crans-Montana. The bars, pubs and nightclubs are all very much alive. Crans-Montana also hosts international events, so you are sure to find one or two events to get involved with. Why not rub shoulders with renowned athletes or artists? Experience the largest winter mountain music festival, The Caprices Festival, as well as international ski competitions such as the World Cup men's race; the International hot air balloon meet and many others. Crans-Montana is a resort that is on the move, all the time.
Resort stats
140km
1,500m - 3,000m
Level of skiing
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Experts
- Snow sure
- Off-piste
- Ski area
Qualities
- Charm factor
- Non-skiers
- Nightlife
- Resort layout
- Fine dining
- Short transfer
- Resort value
Airports
- Sion
- 30mins
- Geneva
- 2hrs
- Zurich
- 3hrs
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large, varied piste area with woodland and open slopes. Fantastic cross-country trails
- Modern, well-designed lift system
- Excellent shopping with many of the world's top brands present in the high street
- Beautiful settings and views
- Gentle nusery slopes
Cons
- Large town lacks the typical Swiss chocolate box charm
- Getting to the lifts involves cars or buses from most accommodation
- Good snow cover on the lower South facing slopes can be a problem in April
Restaurants
Crans Montana Resort Restaurants
Crans Montana has a good variety of restaurants to choose from. Le Mont Blanc has a Michelin star, 180-degree views of the surrounding Alps and offers a combination of Swiss and classic French ingredients with a contemporary twist. The Burger Lounge on Rue Centrale is a must for both locals and visitors. Other recommended restaurants are the Plaza, Padrino and the Chalet. In fact there are something like 90 restaurants in total which serve numerous cuisine styles from around the world
Crans Montana Mountain Restaurants
Above Crans you can find gorgeous homemade cake at the Chez Erwin restaurant. Merbe is an expensive choice but its very attractive and popular. Head to Chetseron for a bite to eat with good views. Over at Bella-Lui, there are two good restaurants, the Cabane and Petit Mont-Bonvin. Cabane Corbyre at Signal. Recently the hut Les Violettes, managed by Chef Frank Reynaud, and Chezteron Restaurant have opened.
Crans Montana Apres Ski
For Apres, Cry d'Er Club d'Altitude offers exceptional views at 2,220 metres. This lively spot includes a restaurant, bar and club with live DJ's here each day from 3pm up until the pistes close. When you have finished on the slopes, visit Zero Dix at the bottom of the gondola station of Cry d'Er and enjoy the live music or DJ in a stylish setting.
Crans Montana Nightlife
With 3 night clubs, a casino and over 25 bars there is plenty of choice. In the heart of the resort, you will find The Moon Bar which is known for their excellent cocktails. Monkis Bar attracts a young crowd with their dance and electronic music. Opposite Monkis, you will find Le Pub where you can enjoy a large array of beers and games (such as billiards, pinball and darts). Sky Club promises a night of dancing, top-tier DJs and an electric atmosphere.
Funicular
Cable Car
Gondola
Chair lift
Drag lift
Property
